1. A FRAGRANT
REVELATIONCalvin Klein’s latest fragrance is like an erotic game–
teasing within sight, yet just out of one’s reach. But what
is it that makes the scent so sensual and addictive? Ann
Gottlieb, the developer of the fragrance, tells us why Reveal
by Calvin Klein makes one want more.
By Dessidre Fleming
E
very element of Calvin Klein Reveal is stellar. And if
theengagingadvertisingthatfeaturessupermodeland
face of Calvin Klein Doutzen Kroes and Hollywood
heart-throb Charlie Hunnam, is anything to go by,
then we are in for a fragrance that makes the game
of seduction even sexier. The making of the scent is another
story, one that can only be told by Ann Gottlieb, the nose behind
the scent. A star fragrance developer, who has worked with
personalities like Britney Spears and Carolina Herrera, Ann
learned the science of fragrance under her mentor, Estée Lauder
herself. She then, founded Ann Gottlieb Associates in 1983 and
has since mastered the art of olfaction, developing some of the
most coveted fragrances in the market.
For Reveal by Calvin Klein, Ann not only developed an addictive
fragrance, but invented a new olfactory category, which is a
combination of strong masculine edges and soft feminine curves.
In an exclusive interaction with L’Officiel India, she lets us in on
the secret behind Reveal.
This fragrance is delectable…
One of the many qualities of Reveal by Calvin Klein is the contrast
between a salty top note, which is rather unconventional for a
luxury scent, and a heart note that comes with a touch of an
appetising gourmand scent, combined with a beautiful floral whiff.
It is the overall combination of notes that makes the fragrance
so remarkable.
It must have been very challenging to capture this essence of the perfume
in the advertising campaign!
One of the greatest challenges, while developing the advertising campaign
for Reveal by Calvin Klein, was to bring the unique combination to the
fore, in a way that it exuded commercial appeal. While it is relatively easy to
create something memorable, it is the commercial appeal that distinguishes
a scent, without restricting it to any one category. With this fragrance, we
came up with a new category altogether–the solar oriental!
And how do you describe solar oriental?
The magic of this category is the unexpected freshness that is contrasted
with the enveloping warmth and the seductive appeal of the rich orient.
This is the first time that any fragrance uses a sensorial raw salt accord
as one of the notes. The raw salt cuts through the sweetened heart note
of glorious orris, which then dries down to sensual sandalwood. It’s a
provocative scent with a confident appeal, all at the same time.
Sounds very appealing, indeed!
That’s because it is. It is one of those rare scents that both men and women
love. You will want to be close to the wearer. And it instantly makes the
men want more.
Who is the Reveal by Calvin Klein woman?
The Reveal woman is about 25 or more. She is elegant, desirable, sensual
and daring. She likes to be noticed and knows how to make a statement.
68Beauty 69
Top right: Ann Gottlieb
bEHIND THE SCENES
FOOTAGE OF THE
AD CAMPAIGN WITH
DOUTZEN KROES AND
CHARLIE HUNNAM
REVEAL BY CALVIN
KLEIN BOTTLE
T a k e N o t e s
Ann Gottlieb gives us a breakdown of all
the notes used in Reveal by Calvin Klein
T o p N o t e s
Raw Salt Signature: This never-used-before note
gives the fragrance a modern hook that makes you
want more.
Black Pepper: This provides a spicy allure to the
fragrance, adding a citrus note to the scent.
Pink Pepper: Also called Peruvian pepper, it
is native to the arid zones of northern South
America. A complex, multidimensional
fragrance—both sweet and spicy, it adds an
exhilarating depth and character to the fragrance.
White Pepper: Less pungent than black pepper, it
brings warmth and sensuality to the fragrance.
H e a r t N o t e s
Orris: International Flavors & Fragrance,
Inc. partners with local farmers in the south
of Europe to harvest this exclusive natural
ingredient. Its unique scent, with woody and
powdery notes and a subtle hint of floral, exudes
ultimate elegance.
Ambergris: One of the most valuable raw
materials in perfumery, originating in the
intestine of the sperm whale, it is found floating in
the ocean. Because it is so rare, it is synthetically
recreated today. Its fragrance can be described as
marine, animalistic and sweet. It brings a skin-like
salty and warming effect to the fragrance.
Solar Accord: The solar accord is a unique
composition evoking the scent of bare skin.
This accord is highly sensorial and brings a
comforting yet provocative sensuality to the
fragrance.
B a s e N o t e s
Sandalwood: Rich and sweet with delicate woody
and floral notes, sandalwood creates an envelope
of warmth in the fragrance.
Cashmeran: Commonly referred to as ‘blond
woods’, it is a musk component. Its scent ranges
between wood and ambers. The diffusive, musky
scent has a spicy, yet powdery whiff, creating a
smooth and feminine trail that lingers.
Vetiver: A perennial grass, native to India but
cultivated in places like Haiti, Java and Brazil,
it has a deep, woody and smoky scent that adds
depth and sensuality to the fragrance.